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We reviewed feral cat eradication campaigns on islands with the primary intent of assessing the approaches, successes, and challenges of these conservation actions to help facilitate future island conservation programs. We reviewed documented impacts of feral cat populations on island ecosystems and the recovery of native populations after cat removal. We then analyzed key aspects of these eradication campaigns to identify future directions and challenges of cat eradication. We compiled data from published and gray literature and personally communicated with over 60 researchers and conservation practitioners, covering most of the world’s insular regions.

On 5th January 2004, Heta, a Category 5 tropical cyclone, struck Niue and widely devastated its N to NW exposed coastlines from Uluvehi to Alofi.

Invading alien species in the United States cause major environmental damages and losses adding up to almost $120 billion per year. There are approximately 50,000 foreign species and the number is increasing. About 42% of the species on the Threatened or Endangered species lists are at risk primarily because of alien-invasive species.

The production of an identification guide for traditional Asian medicines in trade was thought necessary to assist enforcers to determine which medicines and ingredients are legal or illegal, in the context of the cases they are dealing with. The majority of law enforcers have 110 knowledge of Chinese characters and the many forms that these medicines take. This guide is primarily for law enforcers based outside Asia, in countries where large volumes of traditional Asian medicines are imported. The regions where this version of the guide may be of most use include Europe. North America and Australasia.

Palau is blessed with a wealth of natural resources. We enjoy clean air, clean water, abundant marine life, and healthy, productive reefs. Our stunning Rock Islands and majestic dive sites continue to draw admiration from around the world. But Patau's wealth is not just found in its natural resources. Palau has also been blessed with a wealth of human resources and technical capabilities. The population of Palau is well educated and highly talented, and makes use of the most advanced computer and development techniques on a daily basis. Weaving these sources of natural and human wealth together is perhaps the most important resource of all: our traditions. Palauans maintain strong cultural ties to their land, their waters, and their history, and with these ties we strive to preserve and conserve all of our precious resources.

On January 6, 2004, the full force of Cyclone Heta, a category 5 cyclone, hit the island of Niue. In addition to the loss of life and property, serious damage was done to the forests and other ecosystems of the island, particularly on the north and west sides. If not blown over, most trees and other large vegetation were stripped of leaves and branches and subjected to salt spray. This sort of disturbance provides an opportunity for new invasive species to become established and for many species already present to flourish. Following the cyclone, personnel from the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand and other countries visited the island to provide aid and assistance, and equipment and material were brought in to aid m the recovery. Although quarantine procedures were maintained there is always the possibility of inadvertently introducing new plant species during an emergency such as this. During the cleanup process nibble was moved and dumped in new areas, transferring invasive species to new locations.

The Republic of Kiribati requested assistance from the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, to conduct a survey of invasive plant species of environmental concern. Similar surveys have been conducted in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Palau, Samoa and Tonga. The survey was carried out in August and September 2003. We were requested to survey the islands of Tarawa, Abemama, Bern and Butaritari; however, difficulties with plane connections did not permit us to visit Bern and Maiana was substituted instead.

The purpose of the National Invasive Species Strategy is to minimize the harmful effects of invasive species on the environment and society of Palau through coordination of efforts at all levels of Palauan society, and to facilitate cooperation with neighboring countries and the Pacific Islands region to prevent the movement of invasive species.

Merremia peltata, disturbance ecology, tropical cyclones and Samoa. The biology and ecology of Merremia peltata are not well understood. While some regard the species as an exotic invader of Pacific Island ecosystems (Meyer. 2000). others identify the plant as a native species likely to be harmful to native ecosystems (Whistler, 1995a. 2002) or as either native or ancient Polynesian introduction behaving invasively (Space and Flynn.(2002). In Samoa, this species occurs up to an elevation of around 300 meters (Whistler 1995a). and thus only affects lowland ecosystems. This species increases its distribution and abundance in two ways, either vegetatively. by sprawling into neighboring areas and rooting from its nodes or by seeds, although early research in the Solomons observed a low seed viability rate, and creeping may thus be its primary means of reproduction (Bacon. 1982). M. peltata has apparently been in the Pacific for hundreds of years (Whistler, pers. com.) but has only become invasive in the years following tropical cyclones Ofa (1990) and Val (1991) according to comments from local government officials. Disturbance thus appears to be an ecological contributing factor to this invasion.

The project to develop this National Action Program (NAP) began in December of 2001 when Palau held its first National Awareness Seminar on Combating Land Degradation and Mitigating the Drought Effects in Palau. As a result of this seminar, the Office of Environmental Response and Coordination (OERC) developed a National Report to the UNCCD, which was completed and submitted in April of 2002. As follow up to that National Report, OERC, together with other key stakeholders, have been gathering information, conducting assessments, and analyzing key issues, which have lead to the development of this NAP.